Drennon to head Montessori School of Anderson

After more than 40 years as an educator and consultant, Craig Drennon is looking forward to the challenges and comforts of his new position as administrator of the Montessori School of Anderson.

Drennon officially took on his new role Wednesday. But he spent weeks before that getting acclimated to it.

Drennon, an Anderson County Board of Education member, will be responsible for the operation and promotion of the private school on Sam McGee Road. "This is really one of the hidden gems of Anderson," Drennon said. "This is one of the few Montessori-based programs that goes from infancy to high school. Being here is really a very attractive situation for me."

Montessori programs are designed to teach children to think and discover for themselves by giving children hands-on and group learning experiences, as well as by allowing children to investigate topics for themselves. Started in 1973, the Anderson Montessori school provides programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers as well as elementary-, middle- and high-school students.

"Part of the problem in education is transition ? the transition from elementary to middle school, the transition from middle school to high school," Drennon said. "We don't have that here. I'm looking forward to developing those relationships with the students and watching them grow up here."

Drennon received Master's of Education and education specialist degrees from Clemson University and his doctorate from South Carolina State University.

In the course of his career, he has played several roles in the field of education. Those include teacher; principal, including serving as the principal of Crescent High School in Iva-based Anderson School District 3; assistant to the president and vice president of student affairs at Limestone College; and professional development consultant to schools across the United States.

Drennon said he feels the biggest challenges at the Montessori School of Anderson will be finances and continuing to find programs to add to the curriculum.

"I think all schools are facing the same challenge ? how do we do more with less?" he said. "Public schools face that, and private schools face that as well. The only thing I want to do is invest in programs that will benefit our students and be cost-effective for our parents."

The school's board of trustees is eager to have Drennon on board.

"Craig is enthusiastic to begin working alongside our faculty and staff, and is also excited to meet all of our students and families over the coming weeks," said board of trustees chairwoman Patty Stamey. "He is eager to learn about our programs, our curriculum and our rich MSA traditions. The leadership of our exceptional educational programs, and especially our unique Montessori curriculum, will continue in the capable hands of our dedicated and experienced faculty, including MSA founder Karen Holt."